Dentsu buys stake in Japan's Digital GarageDentsu is buying a stake in Japanese agency Digital Garage and will partner with the agency to create business intelligence and digital marketing services. A creator of customized versions of Twitter and LinkedIn in Japan, Digital Garage also recently bought Photozou from Zynga for photo sharing. "Since the Digital Garage Group holds a significant amount of data through the management of Internet media and provision of e-commerce settlement platforms, and Dentsu offers a huge variety of solutions in the digital domain, their strengths are complementary," the companies said in a joint statement. MediaPost Communications/MediaDailyNews
(12/27)

Creative

Foreman grill campaign is "Weight Watchers meets Subway"Spectrum Brands Holdings is running a $3 million campaign for George Foreman grills, using New Year's weight-loss resolutions as an occasion to run a related contest. The George Foreman Grills Weight Loss Challenge will employ Facebook, Twitter, a dedicated microsite and digital outdoor before migrating to sites such as BiggestLoser.com. Syracuse advertising professor Brian Sheehan said the campaign is "Weight Watchers meets Subway" in how it promotes the grill as a way to lose weight. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
(12/27)

Tablets take the lead among readers of e-booksThe tablet computer has eclipsed the dedicated e-reader even for those reading e-books, according to a Pew Internet survey. As of November, 19% of Americans own an e-book reader such as an Amazon Kindle, 25% own a tablet such as the iPad, and a third of Americans own one of each type, whereas last December tablets and e-readers were tied with 10% each. Readers of e-books have risen from 16% to 23% of the population in the last year. CNET
(12/27)

Expanded online campaign breaks GoPro out of nicheGoPro dramatically expanded its online ad presence to break the Hero3 camera out of the extreme-sports niche. Using Carat as its media agency, the company worked with Google analytics consultant Analytics Pros and DoubleClick online ads to drive Web traffic, says Lee Topar, GoPro director of online marketing. The campaign yielded 450 million fourth-quarter impressions while adding 70 sites and ad networks new to the brand. Adweek
(12/27)

Technology

Push notifications come into fashion for CacheCache's use of mobile push notifications typifies how the marketing tactic came of age in 2012, writes Christopher Heine. Cache establishes user preferences on frequency when consumers download the application, and it employs location-based push notifications of promotions when shoppers are in proximity to one of Cache's 262 retail stores. "It no longer feels like an invasion. It's feeling more like an invitation. It's signaling a greater degree of personalization in the app experience," says Usablenet Chief Marketing Officer Carin van Vuuren, adding that half of the company's app launches in 2012 have included push. Adweek
(12/27)

Association News

Webinar Alert -- Finding Creative Face-Time Opportunities with ClientsStrengthen your client relationships in the New Year with this helpful virtual event on Feb. 14. Join Sheila Campbell, co-author of the best-selling book "Retreats That Work: Everything You Need to Know about Planning and Leading Great Offsites," as she explains how to utilize offsite meetings with your clients to build stronger relationships. Learn which retreats work the best and how you can get closer to engaging with senior executives.

Talent & Development: 2013 Dallas Institute of Advanced Advertising StudiesFor more than 25 years, the 4A's Dallas Institute of Advanced Advertising Studies (IAAS) has been training the city's best and the brightest in the agency business. IAAS is the perfect vehicle for your next generation of advertising leaders. Students develop their skills by working on an actual client assignment in a team environment. This year's client is Fossil.

The course runs from Feb. 6 to May 8 and is beneficial to all agency disciplines.